What Is the Secondary Suite Incentive Program?
The City of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) provides rebates of up to $10,000 to homeowners who build legal secondary suites in their homes. The program was created to increase Calgary’s rental housing supply while ensuring that secondary suites meet all safety and building code requirements.
The SSIP is one of the most generous municipal housing incentives in Alberta, and it can significantly offset the cost of building a legal basement suite, garage suite, or backyard suite.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the SSIP rebate, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Property type. The home must be a single-detached, semi-detached, or duplex dwelling within Calgary city limits
- Ownership. You must be the registered owner of the property and it must be your primary residence
- New suite. The suite must be a new secondary suite (not a renovation of an existing suite)
- Permits. You must obtain all required development and building permits from the City of Calgary
- Code compliance. The suite must pass all inspections and receive a final occupancy permit
- Rental commitment. You must agree to rent the suite at or below market rates for a specified period
How Much Is the Rebate?
The SSIP provides rebates based on the type of suite:
- Basement secondary suite. Up to $10,000
- Backyard suite (laneway house). Up to $10,000
- Garage conversion. Up to $10,000
The rebate is issued after the suite passes final inspection and receives an occupancy permit from the City of Calgary.
How to Apply
- Check your zoning. Verify that your property’s land use district permits secondary suites. Most R-C1, R-C1L, R-C1N, and R-C2 districts allow secondary suites
- Apply for permits. Submit your development permit and building permit applications to the City of Calgary
- Register with SSIP. Submit your SSIP application to the City before construction begins or during the permit phase
- Build to code. Complete construction using a licensed contractor and pass all required inspections
- Final inspection. Schedule your final inspection with the City and receive your occupancy permit
- Submit for rebate. Provide the City with your occupancy permit, proof of expenses, and any required documentation
- Receive rebate. The City processes your rebate after confirming all requirements are met
Common Mistakes That Disqualify Applicants
- Starting construction before submitting the SSIP application
- Building without proper permits
- Failing to meet fire separation requirements between units
- Not providing a separate entrance for the suite
- Using unlicensed trades for electrical or plumbing work
- Missing inspection milestones
How OAF Construction Helps
OAF Construction builds every secondary suite to meet SSIP requirements from day one. We handle the permit process, ensure code compliance at every stage, and help you navigate the SSIP application. Our experience with Calgary’s inspection process means your suite passes the first time. No delays, no rework, no lost rebate eligibility.
We have completed dozens of SSIP-eligible suites across Calgary. If you are considering a secondary suite, get a free quote and we will assess your property’s eligibility and provide a fixed-price quote that accounts for the SSIP rebate.